Mount Matheson loop is a 3km, grade 3 hike located in the Nightcap National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 1.25 hrs to complete.
Hike overview
Experience the variety of the unique landscape along the Mount Matheson loop. On this short walking track you'll hike through the lush rainforest that encircles Mount Matheson, before reaching the dramatic cliff edges that feature eucalypt forests. It's not a long walk but some might find it challenging, so you'll need to be reasonably fit, and remember to bring plenty of water.
The walk starts and ends at Mount Nardi picnic area, a small grassy area with a couple of barbecues and a picnic table.
You may want to use this loop walk to reach the Pholis Gap or historic Nightcap walking tracks. Pholis Gap is a good option to extend the loop into a day walk, and you can take the Nightcap track if you'd like to do some overnight walking and bush camping.
Route and GPX file
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Trail location
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Getting there
On entering Nightcap National park, Mount Matheson loop is on the left-hand side of the road just before you reach Mount Nardi picnic area. Parking Parking is available at Mount Nardi carpark a short distance from the start of the track.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Gallery
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About the region
Explore ancient World Heritage-listed rainforest in Nightcap National Park, near Lismore in north-eastern NSW. Ideal for a day trip or overnight adventure, you’ll find great campgrounds, picnic areas, walks and stunning views.
Nightcap National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, is a dramatically beautiful park full of ancient rainforests, magical waterways and spectacular views.
The lush rainforest provides a home for the newly discovered nightcap oak as well as a number of threatened animal species, including Albert's lyrebird and Fleay's barred frog which takes shelter under leaf litter and makes an 'ok-ok-ok-ok-ok' after rain.
With easy access from Lismore and Nimbin, you can enjoy a picnic, bushwalk or overnight camping trip amid the park's escarpments, waterfalls and crystal clear creeks and enjoy incredible views of the 20 million year-old Wollumbin shield volcano.
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Gear to consider

My planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Everyone, and every hike, is different, so customise your outdoor kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Let someone know
Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Fill in an online trip intentions form to privately send important details about your adventure to your emergency contact. They can then inform emergency services if you don’t return on time.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.